Dáil Éireann debate -
Friday, 10 Jun 1988

Vol. 381 No. 10

Order of Business.

The Taoiseach

It is proposed to take No. 11.

It is also proposed that Votes 33 and 35 shall be brought to a conclusion, if not previously concluded, at 1.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. respectively by one question, in each case, which shall be put from the Chair and the following arrangements shall apply: (1) the opening speech of the Ministers moving the Votes shall not exceed 20 minutes; (2) the speech of any other Member shall not exceed 15 minutes; (3) the Minister moving the Votes shall be called on to conclude not later than ten minutes before the stated times.

It is further proposed that if a division is challenged on any Estimate today, the taking of such division shall be postponed until 8.30 p.m. on Wednesday, 15 June 1988.

An Ceann Comhairle

May I ask if the proposals for dealing with Votes 33 and 35 agreed? Agreed.

Mr. J. Bruton

I should like to ask the Taoiseach if he will indicate what the arrangements are for the taking of item No. 4 details of which were circulated today. It is legislation that was not included in the programme communicated to the Whips and concerns the provision of funds for the European Communities. Will the Taoiseach indicate if it is required that this be taken before the summer recess and, if so, how much time will be provided?

The Taoiseach

It is the intention to take that item before the summer recess and the Whips can discuss the arrangements. Each Minister will be prepared to talk to spokesmen from the Opposition parties about the arrangements.

Mr. J. Bruton

Can the Taoiseach give us any idea of how this arrived out of the blue this morning?

The Taoiseach

It arises out of the last Brussels Summit agreement and deals with new methods of financing the Community.

Mr. J. Bruton

Surely we would have known that before now.

An Ceann Comhairle

We cannot argue that matter this morning.

Mr. J. Bruton

Will the Taoiseach consider making arrangements, in conjunction with the security authorities, to ensure that any of the entrances to Leinster House are not blocked on sitting days as will be the case with the Kildare Street entrance for part of today? Will the Taoiseach ensure, in view of the fact that the Constitution specifically provides for access for Members, that this does not happen in the future?

The Taoiseach

I suggest that this is more a matter for the Ceann Comhairle.

Mr. J. Bruton

Will the Taoiseach indicate if anything will be done about this? The security authorities report to the Taoiseach.

The Taoiseach

I will look into the matter.

An Ceann Comhairle

It results from the operation of a cycle race this evening.

Mr. D. O'Malley

Will the Government give some indication of what is proposed in regard to the suggested Nigerian oil deal? A number of questions have been asked in the House about it and the replies were largely to the effect that the Dáil would be told when all the arrangements were made which, I suggest, is too late. There is deep concern about this matter.

An Ceann Comhairle

This does not refer to matters which are in order now.

Mr. D. O'Malley

There is deep concern about conflicting statements of what is likely to happen. It is of considerable consequence to the country.

An Ceann Comhairle

That may be but the Deputy has other ways and means of raising this matter.

Mr. D. O'Malley

It is appropriate that the Government should give an indication of what the position is or what is proposed.

An Ceann Comhairle

It is not in order now to raise that matter.

Mr. Desmond

Keep a mile away from them.

Mr. D. O'Malley

Some indication should be given, whether here or elsewhere, as to what the position is, because there is deep concern about something that is of such importance.

An Ceann Comhairle

I have advised the Deputy as to how he may proceed in respect of that matter.

Mr. Desmond

Keep away from them.

Mr. Quinn

I am not sure if I am in order, but I will be guided by you. I wish to indicate to the Government Whip that the four and a quarter hours which it has been proposed will be allocated for the Committee and Remaining Stages of the Housing Bill on next Wednesday is totally inadequate. Perhaps he might reconsider if additional time could be made available for it.

The Taoiseach

Point taken.

Mr. R. Bruton

When is it intended to circulate the radiological protection institute legislation that has been promised by the Government?

The Taoiseach

It will not be taken in this session, but I will have it circulated as soon as possible.